Purpose: In the presence of both strabismus and cataract, it is always a dilemma whether to manage them separately or together. In this paper, the authors evaluate the results of combined strabismus and cataract surgery.
Methods: The records of 50 patients were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups: those who developed strabismus first and cataract later (group 1, n = 17 patients) and those who developed cataract first and strabismus later (group 2, n = 33 patients).
Results: Motor alignment (less than 10 prism diopters) was achieved in 35.3% in group 1 and 75.8% in group 2. Visual success (20/40 or better) was attained in 70.6% in group 1 and 57.6% in group 2. In group 1, when the angle of deviation was more than 80 prism diopters, poor motor alignment was achieved (25%).
Conclusion: Surgical success after one operation was achieved in the majority of all eyes that had combined surgery. In selected cases, combined strabismus and cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure, optimizing the alignment of the visual axes, improving visual acuity, and minimizing the need for additional procedures.